Question

Consider the concept of Symbolic Threat in relation to (terror management theory)TMT. Post an example from contemporary culture or politics, history, or your own experience of a symbolic threat evident between two cultural groups, and relate it to TMT.

Answer 1

Symbolic Threat in relation to Terror Management Theory is how humans manage the fear or threat of their inevitable death. Most of the Individuals on this earth wants immortality which is impossible, hence, they fear death and manage the threat of death by avoiding or negatively perceiving anything that may cause them harm or the death. This is symbolic threat. As terrorism poses threat to life of the individuals, they see terrorism in negative way. Because most of the terrorist group are based on ideologies of Muslim religion, people in most of the countries where muslims are minority view them as a threat to their lives, they are stereotyped either as terrorists or are seen with suspicion. The Muslims in Kashmir state of India are perceived as supporters of Pakistan supported muslim terrorist groups by the Hindus of the Kashmir state. As a result tensions and clashes are frequent between the two communities in the region.